What You Can Track on Instagram
Due to Meta’s API restrictions, third-party tools like Keyhole cannot track general keywords across all public Instagram posts. However, you can still:
Track hashtags across public posts.
Track keywords from specific Instagram accounts that you specify.
This article walks you through setting up Instagram tracking, managing hashtag limits, and using filters to track keywords from specific accounts.
Before You Start
You must authenticate any Instagram account before tracking. Follow the steps in Managing Instagram Tracking in Keyhole: Compliance with Meta’s Policies to complete authentication.
How to Track Hashtags on Instagram
Instagram only supports hashtag tracking—not general keywords—so hashtags are the best way to monitor public posts.
1. Go to Listening & Campaigns in Keyhole.
2. Click Add New Tracker, then select Add Advanced Tracker.
3. Enter your keyword and select Instagram.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: If you enter a plain text mention like "Hawaii", Keyhole automatically converts it into a hashtag (#Hawaii) since Instagram only allows hashtag tracking. For example, if you enter "Hawaii", Keyhole will track #Hawaii and pull posts that include that hashtag.
Hashtag Limits and Workarounds
Instagram enforces strict hashtag tracking limits:
Each authenticated Instagram Business or Creator account can track up to 30 hashtags in a rolling 7-day period.
If you remove a hashtag, its slot remains occupied for 7 days before it frees up.
Tip: Need to track more than 30 hashtags? Authenticate additional Instagram accounts—each one gives you 30 more hashtag slots. For more details, see Managing Instagram Tracking in Keyhole: Compliance with Meta’s Policies.
How to Track Keywords from Specific Accounts
While general keyword tracking isn’t supported, you can track keywords in posts from specific Instagram accounts that you authenticate.
1. Open Advanced Tracker in Listening & Campaigns.
2. Under Filters, select Get posts from these accounts.
3. Add the authenticated Instagram accounts that you want to track.
4. Keyhole will collect posts from those accounts that include your keyword, even if it’s not a hashtag.
⚠️ REMINDER: To track keywords from specific accounts, they must be Instagram Business or Creator accounts that have been authenticated in Keyhole.
Use the Account Watchlist to Manage Tracked Accounts
The Account Watchlist helps you manage Instagram accounts and keep track of which ones are authenticated for keyword tracking.
1. Go to Listening & Campaigns in your Keyhole dashboard.
2. Select Account Watchlist and click Add Account.
3. Enter the Instagram handle of the account you want to track and click Save Now.
4. Copy the authentication link from the Authentication column.
5. Share the link with the account owner to authenticate the account.
6. Once authenticated, the account will appear in your Account Watchlist, allowing you to track its posts and associated metrics.
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